Webster Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

the long handle of a spear or similar weapon; hence, the weapon itself; (Fig.) anything regarded as a shaft to be thrown or darted; as, shafts of light

Shaft(noun)

that which resembles in some degree the stem or handle of an arrow or a spear; a long, slender part, especially when cylindrical

Shaft(noun)

the trunk, stem, or stalk of a plant

Shaft(noun)

the stem or midrib of a feather

Shaft(noun)

the pole, or tongue, of a vehicle; also, a thill

Shaft(noun)

the part of a candlestick which supports its branches

Shaft(noun)

the handle or helve of certain tools, instruments, etc., as a hammer, a whip, etc

Shaft(noun)

a pole, especially a Maypole

Shaft(noun)

the body of a column; the cylindrical pillar between the capital and base (see Illust. of Column). Also, the part of a chimney above the roof. Also, the spire of a steeple

Shaft(noun)

a column, an obelisk, or other spire-shaped or columnar monument

Shaft(noun)

a rod at the end of a heddle

Shaft(noun)

a solid or hollow cylinder or bar, having one or more journals on which it rests and revolves, and intended to carry one or more wheels or other revolving parts and to transmit power or motion; as, the shaft of a steam engine

Shaft(noun)

a humming bird (Thaumastura cora) having two of the tail feathers next to the middle ones very long in the male; -- called also cora humming bird

Shaft(noun)

a well-like excavation in the earth, perpendicular or nearly so, made for reaching and raising ore, for raising water, etc

Freebase(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

Shaft

Shaft, Inc. is a Japanese animation studio founded on September 1, 1975 by Hiroshi Wakao. They are best known for their unique use of gags and references notably in Pani Poni Dash!, Maria Holic, Sayonara Zetsubō Sensei, Hidamari Sketch, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, and Bakemonogatari series.

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary(0.00 / 0 votes)Rate this definition:

Shaft

shaft, n. anything long and straight, as the stem of an arrow, &c.: a long arrow, anything like an arrow in form or effect: the part of a column between the base and capital: the stem of a feather: the pole or thill of a carriage: the handle of a tool of any kind.—adj.Shaft′ed, having a shaft or handle.—ns.Shaft′-horse, the horse that is harnessed between the shafts of a carriage; Shaft′ing (mach.), the system of shafts connecting machinery with the prime mover.—Make a shaft or a bolt of it (Shak.), to take the risk and make the best of it—the shaft and the bolt being the arrows of the long-bow and the cross-bow respectively. [A.S. sceaft; prob. orig. pa.p. of scafan, to shave.]

Shaft

shaft, n. a well-like excavation sunk into a mine for pumping, hoisting, &c.: the tunnel of a blast-furnace. [Prob. in this sense from Ger. schacht, a shaft; cog. with foregoing.]

You don't want to start that jet engine up with a shaft that's bent, even if we're talking about 5/10,000ths of an inch, you do three minutes of windmilling operation to cool the entire hot section of the aircraft down to the same temperature.